Magical Lantern Festival at Chiswick House

The Magical Lantern Festival has disappeared from West London’s Chiswick House for another year, however if you didn’t get a chance to go here’s a summery of my visit to get you excited for next year…

The Magical Lantern Festival is a beautiful artistic display of giant themed Lanterns celebrating the Chinese New Year and it’s cultural significance. This was the second year the event has been held in London and the theme was ‘Explore the Silk Road’, which is the route of trade and culture from Europe to Ancient China.

The 45 minute walk around Chiswick House’s gardens takes you on a journey through Europe, Central Asia, Arabia, Egypt, Persia, India and Ancient China, exploring the heritage and culture shared along the Silk Road.

Yes that is Aladdin and Jasmine on the Magic Carpet

I know walking around outside in February doesn’t sound the most appealing in a country like England, but there’s a solution for that… There are a several bars along the route selling both hot alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks such as mulled wine, spiced cider and hot chocolate, the perfect way to keep warm on a cold London evening.

At the end of the Silk Road you come to the entertainment area which has a ferris wheel and merry-go-round, a small synthetic ice rink, an ice bar and lounge, a VR gaming area and food and drink stalls, all surrounding a giant teapot and teacups (how very British!).

The small selection of food stalls served an array of international food, from the likes of raclette and burgers to noodles and curries. The Rac Shack raclette was my favourite!

The Magical Lantern Festival is a beautiful and enlightening evening of fun, art and culture suitable for all ages. 2017 tickets were £16pp. Check their website for updates on next year’s festival which will be happening across January and February 2018.